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Troup County High School opened its indoor practice facility Sunday afternoon for a prayer vigil for THS student Javari Fannin, who is dealing with an undisclosed medical issue.

The facility was filled with supporters, teammates, coaches, all who prayed together for Fannin’s recovery. Fannin, a senior, who played running back on the Tigers football team, is hospitalized.

“Family means so much to us and he means so much to us,” said Troup head coach Tanner Glisson on opening the facility for the prayer vigil. “We love him so much, and we thought it was the right thing to do.”

As rain poured down outside the facility, many packed in one corner of the facility to pray on a Sunday evening. Glisson said the turnout shows how much people care for Fannin.

“It’s a testament to our community, and our village raises these kids,” Glisson said. “We’re really blessed to have so much support.”

Many signed posters with messages for Fannin, wishing for a full recovery.

“I talked to the doctors today, and he’s stable,” said his mother, Erica Martin. “He just had a procedure early this morning.”

She said Fannin was unaware that the prayer vigil had been organized, but that she will share the news with him soon.

“It means a whole lot. Javari would be very excited,” Martin said. “He’d be standing back, but he would love it.”

Glisson said Fannin felt the prayers. Martin said if the community wants to help, the best way is to pray.

“Just prayers, that’s the most important thing,” she said.

Troup High announced a button fundraiser Sunday night to help the family. Using the hashtag #fightingforfannin, THS is selling shirt buttons for $1 after first period. Then, on Thursday, the school will “stand in solidarity as one family to fight for Javari.”

All proceeds go to Martin to help with expenses. Cash and Cashapp are accepted.